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OBJECTIVE. This study describes the use and perceived effectiveness of energy conservation strategies by persons with multiple sclerosis after participation in an energy conservation course.
METHOD. One hundred twenty-three participants completed a survey about their use of energy conservation strategies.
RESULTS. All strategies were newly used by at least 50% of the participants and rated as effective. Strategies that involved rest and delegation were used most and rated most effective, followed by modifying priorities and standards. The most common reason for not implementing strategies was that participants were already using them.
CONCLUSION. Persons with multiple sclerosis who participated in an energy conservation course implemented a number of new energy conservation strategies and reported them as effective.
Matuska, K., Mathiowetz, V., & Finlayson, M. (2007). Use and perceived effectiveness of energy conservation strategies for managing multiple sclerosis fatigue. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 62-69.
KEY WORDS
* energy conservation
* fatigue
* multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelinization of nerve cells with resultant scarring known as plaques. Approximately 2.5 million persons worldwide have multiple sclerosis, and every week about 200 persons are diagnosed with the disease (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2004a). Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary depending on the areas of the central nervous system that are affected, but common symptoms include vision problems, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, bladder problems, cognitive deficits, and fatigue.
Medical treatment aims to suppress or modulate the immune system, and other treatments seek to manage the symptoms of the disease (Schapiro, 1991). Occupational therapy provides important nonpharmacological services to persons with multiple sclerosis, such as energy conservation training to help them manage the effects of fatigue in their daily lives. Energy conservation training usually involves teaching individuals specific behavioral strategies for managing fatigue, such as spreading heavy work throughout the day or taking several rest periods. Although energy conservation strategies make intuitive sense and have been implemented by participants in other studies after an educational program (Mathiowetz, Matuska, & Murphy, 2001; Packer, Brink, & Sauriol, 1995), little information exists on reasons for nonuse or perceived effectiveness. This study explores the use, reasons for nonuse, and participant report of effectiveness for 14 energy...